Mazda also plans to introduce electric technology in its cars from 2019.

Analysis: Theo Leggett, business reporter

In theory, a compression-ignition petrol engine should have big advantages. But it isn't easy to make technology work - and some of the biggest companies, including General Motors, have already tried.

So why should a relatively small Japanese manufacturer like Mazda succeed? Well, partly because - unlike the really big players - it isn't afraid to take risks. It has done in the past.

It's the only mainstream manufacturer, for example, which has persisted with rotary engines in its cars. Like compression ignition motors, they have theoretical benefits, but create complex engineering challenges.

Mazda's rotary has had some success. The company won the Le Mans 24 Hours race with it in 1991, and the latest version was fitted in its RX-8 sportscar. Popular with drivers, it was sadly unreliable.

If the new motor is to be a success, it needs to be reliable as well as efficient. And Mazda needs to be able to persuade regulators that petrol engines still have a strong future.

It may prove to be the perfect stop-gap, as electric cars are developed and charging infrastructure is created.

Or it may turn out to be a brilliant idea, which has come to fruition just a few years too late.

Dale Gillespie, from Jennings Motor Group, said "With the clean air crackdown causing a decline in demand for new Diesel cars this is refreshing news from Mazda. It is an approach all manufacturers should be adopting."

Image copyrightGEOFF ROBINSImage caption
The Mazda RX-8 sportscar was popular with drivers, but unreliable